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Victorian Opposition Leader Dismisses Poll Drop and Leadership Rumours Amidst Claims of Liberal Chaos

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 8:26 GMT by Sky News Australia
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Brad Battin, the leader of the Victorian opposition, has publicly downplayed a significant drop in his party’s polling numbers and vehemently denied suggestions that the state Liberals are embroiled in internal conflict. The comments, delivered amidst swirling rumours of leadership instability within the Liberal Party, aim to project an image of stability and confidence despite facing what appears to be a challenging political landscape.

The recent Newspoll data, cited extensively across media outlets, revealed a concerning slump for the Victorian Liberals, with their primary vote dropping to just 31%, a significant decrease from previous figures. This puts them well behind Labor, currently enjoying a comfortable lead in public opinion. Battin, however, brushed off these findings, suggesting they are merely a snapshot in time and don't reflect the underlying sentiment of voters. He insisted his team remains focused on holding the Andrews government accountable and presenting viable alternatives to Victorian families.

"Polls fluctuate," Battin stated firmly. "We’re not getting distracted by numbers. We're focusing on what matters: delivering strong policies, representing our communities, and offering a clear alternative to Labor's mismanagement." He emphasized that his focus remains on issues impacting everyday Victorians – cost of living pressures, healthcare access, and infrastructure development – rather than dwelling on poll results.

The situation within the Liberal Party itself is reportedly more complex. Whispers of discontent have been circulating for weeks, fuelled by a perceived lack of direction and strategic disagreements amongst senior figures. While Battin has consistently denied any leadership challenges, reports suggest that some within the party are questioning his ability to lead them back into government. These concerns appear to stem from a combination of factors, including the ongoing fallout from previous scandals, difficulties in articulating a compelling alternative vision for the state, and a perceived disconnect between the party’s messaging and voter priorities.

Sources within the Liberal Party, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the situation, have described an atmosphere of “low-level civil war,” with factions vying for influence and power. While Battin has publicly dismissed these claims as "rumour mongering" and attempts to destabilize the party, he acknowledged that there are differing opinions within the Liberal ranks. He attributed these disagreements to a healthy debate about policy direction, rather than evidence of deep-seated internal conflict.

The timing of this turmoil is particularly problematic for the Liberals, with a state election looming in late 2025. The opposition needs to present a united front and a credible alternative to secure victory, but the current climate of uncertainty and infighting threatens to undermine their chances. Analysts suggest that the party’s leadership must address these internal divisions swiftly and decisively if they hope to regain voter confidence.

Adding further complexity is the recent departure of key Liberal figures, including former MP James Patterson who resigned from parliament citing personal reasons but leaving many speculating about his dissatisfaction with the party's direction. This exodus has only served to amplify concerns about the stability and cohesion within the Victorian Liberals.

Battin’s response to these challenges has been largely defensive, focusing on dismissing negative narratives and reiterating his commitment to leading the opposition. However, critics argue that he needs to be more proactive in addressing the underlying issues driving the party's struggles. He faces a significant task in rebuilding trust within the Liberal Party and convincing voters that he is the best person to lead them into the next election.

The situation highlights the broader challenges facing conservative parties across Australia, who are grappling with shifting voter demographics, changing political priorities, and internal divisions. The Victorian Liberals’ current predicament serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of unity, clear messaging, and strong leadership in navigating a turbulent political landscape. Whether Battin can successfully steer his party through this period of uncertainty remains to be seen, but the stakes are undeniably high for the future of Victorian politics.